NEEDLES, Calif – Over a long period of time Suzanne Torres physically and emotionally abused 4 of her 6 children. The abuse ranged from the children being beaten with objects to being forced to eat a sucker made from a marijuana by-product known as wax. The oldest victim was kept out of school to care for her five younger siblings as Torres and her husband, Victor Lawrence, consumed illegal drugs inside the home and often in the presence of the victims.

On Tuesday, December 13 at approximately 11:53 p.m., deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff - Colorado River Station and the Needles Police Department arrested Suzanne Torres (age 30 of Needles) at her residence in the 1000 block of Lilyhill Drive. Victor Lawrence is also wanted in connection with the abuse of the victims. It is believed Lawrence has fled the area and could be in Arizona or Utah. Torres was booked into the Needles jail on a $100,000 bond.

This investigation is ongoing, and detectives are seeking the whereabouts of Victor Lawrence. Anyone with information about Lawrence or has additional information reference this case is urged to contact Detective Caronna at (760) 326-9200.

Persons charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.